mom-dance

Tonight I did a serious workout while washing dishes. I had a dance party in the kitchen with Lucy. It was serious, I swear. That girl loves Justin Bieber, but obsessed with Michael Buble. We can't dance to without her constant commentary,

"Mama! It's Michael Buble! Mama! Is Michael Buble singing? Mama! Michael Buble is silly! Mama, say 'yes!' Mama! Dance like this! No, like this, MamaMommy!!!".

"Yes, Lucy. Yes, Lucy. He is, honey. Okay!"

After being out of breath from about 30 minutes of this (iPod playing "Just Haven't Met You Yet" on repeat for like the ninth time) I looked at the window above my sink before going back to my dishes and caught my reflection doing mom-dance.

Mom-dance is a term I came up with when I was about 16 and went to see Billy Joel and Elton John in concert together with Amanda. We were the only two people under 40 as far as I could tell and the place was packed with mom-dance. You know, the side-to-side step with elbows bent and snaps going raised up by the ears? Mom-dance. In college I would do it at bars to be funny. There was nothing funny about catching myself mid-snap without realizing it.
I have considered changing the name of mom-dance since becoming a mom myself, but it seems to stay true to its name (sigh).

When I had just Lucy I felt that I wasn't completely committed to the title of Mom. I was just a 20-something with a baby. Now that I have two I say phrases like "my kids", drive an SUV with third-row seating and have a giant purse stocked with wipes at all times. I am a full-out mom who seriously does the mom-dance.

The most significant change I have seen in myself has been my expectations of public places or businesses or anywhere I spend my money. Pre-babies I was so eager to please other people that if someone was rude to me I would somehow feel compelled to apologize to them. I am now one of those moms who will call and complain (politely! usually...) or ask to speak with a manager. Something about being responsible for two little girls who can't necessarily defend themselves has really changed my outlook.

Since I underwent surgery to have my gall bladder removed, I am a big believer in research and awareness when it comes to health. You have to be your own advocate and find answers for yourself. This morning I called ALMC's pediatric nurse about Clara. She is just not herself and I am looking for answers. Long story short, I was pushed into making an appointment and bringing her in just to drive 30-min to the clinic and back, leaving extremely frustrated and disapponted. The doctor basically told me that her guesses areas good as mine. I'm glad that visit just cost somewhere in the $1oo ballpark. I'm annoyed. WebMD was twice as helpful. Plus my nurse was extremely rude. I will be calling. Or something.

I didn't eat very healthy today but I did do very well with portions. When asking Lucy what she wanted for dinner she said, "Syrup and chicken bars, please!" (chicken bars??!)

Today I give myself a B. Again. :)